topical

adj

1. Relating to a particular topic or subject.

   “The book is divided into topical chapters.”

2. Relating to a topic or subject of current interest.

   “Fair trade has become quite a topical issue.”

3. Local to a particular place.
4. (not-comparable)Applied to a localized part of the body.
5. (not-comparable)Applied externally (to the surface of the skin or eye).

   “Terbinafine is available in 250 mg tablets and in a topical 1% ointment. There is no parenteral form available.”

6. Arranged according to topic or theme; thematic.

noun

1. A substance, especially a medication, applied externally (to the surface of the skin or eye).

   “Small amounts of potent ingredients can, in theory, mean far less skin irritation, as one might get with a one-time high dose of retinol. And with topicals, there is a more uniform delivery of product to the skin’s surface.”

   “"This is a great introductory line to first-time cannabis users because two of the items are topicals, which don't get you high," says Elisabeth, who prides herself and her growers on having a well-balanced and chemical-free strand.”

2. A substance, especially a medication, applied externally (to the surface of the skin or eye).
3. A joke dealing with current events or topical subjects.

   “You can’t do a show at an audience – you have to do a show with an audience and structure the act so that you start with the “hello” gags, then the topicals, then the surreal stuff.”

4. A postage stamp depicting a particular theme or subject (such as birds or trains), potentially sought out by topical stamp collectors.

   “beautiful Pictorials, topicals, commemoratives, airmails. Introductory selection 40% discount. Ralph Rice, 15 Longlane, West Hartford 7, Conn.”